A performer who grew up with a passion for dance is appearing in a contemporary Romeo and Juliet production.

Emily Galvin, 20, from Epping, began dancing when she was just three years old.

She said: “It was more that I was obsessed with the kid show Angelina Ballerina, so my parents decided to take me along to a dance class.

“Since a young age I just loved performing and being on stage and it was just non-stop dance from then on. I couldn’t imagine my life without it – I don’t go a day without dancing.

“I don’t know where on earth it comes from. It was just something that’s popped out of the blue for some reason.

“When I performed in my first stage show at 10 years old at Her Majesty’s Theatre. It was amazing – there was no realisation moment that I wanted to be a dancer I have always been this way.”

Emily auditioned for Tring Park School when she was just 15 and was awarded a scholarship a year later.

She not only learned contemporary dance such as jazz but also founded her love for acting.

After her time at Tring Park, she spent time working in contemporary dance in London. She also worked with dance company New Adventures in a Romeo and Juliet production.

She added: “I've always really enjoyed acting, that’s why the company I have worked for previously, New Adventures, appealed to me the most its because of the story telling.

“I believe acting and contemporary dance are both as strong as each other when it comes to storytelling.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet. Emily Galvin, Janacek Wood, Hannah Kremer, Ashton Hall, Tanisha Addicott, Dan Baines. Photo by Nick Kyprianou-Brown

“Contemporary dance has to be done without words and through movement, I think it can be instrumental to see the pain and emotion coming through dance.

“I find it to be very moving and breath taking to see that played out in movement – it is so strong and that is what I love about it.”

Emily has returned to New Adventures and will be in another production of Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet from August 7 to 18 this year at Sadler’s Wells, London.

The production is a contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story and brings together the country’s young dance talent.

Emily believes Matthew Bourne’s contemporary dance production stands out due to its narrative storytelling, set and props.

“My first performance with New Adventure was incredible and such as surreal moment. Knowing your dancing for such a fantastic company which has given you that opportunity is unreal.

“On stage you’re invested in the story, you don’t realise the vast amount of people watching until they’re applauding.”

When asked about advice she would give to aspiring performers she said: “Do work hard, it's not an easy job but it's so rewarding if you really put the hours in.

“Just always try to remember why you started and why you’re doing it because you will absolutely love it.”